Mascara compositions containing at least two acrylate film formers

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are mascara compositions containing a first acrylates copolymer having a relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) which is less than about 0° C., a second acrylates copolymer having a relatively high glass transition temperature which is between about 0° C. and less than about 60° C., wherein a mixture of the first and second acrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C., and a solvent. Also disclosed are methods for making the mascara and applying them to keratinous tissue such as eyelashes in order to enhance their appearance.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/132,448 filed Jun. 18, 2008, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 7,351,418 teaches cosmetic compositions such as mascarathat contain a polymer containing a specific heteroatom in a compositioncomprising particles of a film-forming polymer dispersed in thecomposition medium, which improves adhesion properties and allows for athick deposit of the composition on the keratin materials.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,351,405 teaches wax-free mascara compositions containingsolid particles of a film-forming acrylic polymer dispersed in acosmetically acceptable aqueous medium. According to the patentteachings, the compositions are easy to apply, coat the eyelashes well,and after drying form a smooth, uniform deposit and provides a naturalmake-up result that is comfortable and stays on well over time and thatdoes not wear away, and will remain deposited on eyelashes and/oreyebrows for more than one day or even more than two days.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,094,842 teaches cosmetic compositions, includingmascara, that contain at least one aqueous phase containing particles ofa substantially linear block silicone copolymer and least one polymercontaining at least one monomer having an ethylenic unsaturation and asulphonic group, and/or at least one organic powder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a mascaracomposition, comprising a first acrylates copolymer having a relativelylow glass transition temperature (Tg) which is less than about 0° C., asecond acrylates copolymer having a relatively high glass transitiontemperature which is between about 0° C. and less than about 60° C.inclusive, wherein a mixture of said first and second acrylatescopolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C., and a solvent. Alsodisclosed are packages, e.g., blister packages, including a containercomprising the mascara composition, and optionally an applicator forapplying the composition to eye lashes.

A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method ofpreparing a mascara composition, comprising mixing a first acrylatescopolymer having a relatively low glass transition temperature which isless than about 0° C., a second acrylates copolymer having a relativelyhigh glass transition temperature which is between about 0° C. and about60° C. inclusive, and a solvent, wherein a mixture of said first andsecond acrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a method ofmaking up or enhancing the appearance of eye lashes, comprising applyingto eye lashes a mascara composition comprising a first acrylatescopolymer having a relatively low glass transition temperature which isless than about 0° C., a second acrylates copolymer having a relativelyhigh glass transition temperature which is between about 0° C. and about60° C. inclusive, and a solvent, wherein a mixture of said first andsecond acrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C.

Underlying the present invention is the discovery that the combinationof acrylates copolymers having relatively low and high Tgs providesmascara compositions having improved Theological, texture and wearproperties. Mascara compositions of the present invention may be appliedto individual eye lashes more evenly, thus providing a relativelysmooth, flexible hold and with little clumping or flaking. Asillustrated in the working examples herein, an embodiment of the presentinvention exhibited unexpectedly greater lift or curl and length to eyelashes compared to commercial products that contained only one of theacrylates copolymers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The acrylates copolymers useful in the present invention are moregenerally referred to in the art as acrylic film-forming dispersions asthey are commercially available in the form of liquid dispersions oremulsions. In the mascara compositions of the present invention, a firstacrylates copolymer has a relatively low glass transition temperature(Tg). The term “glass transition temperature” generally refers to thetemperature at which the amorphous material changes from a glassy solidstate to a rubbery state. This temperature may be measured by standardtechniques in the art, such as DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry),e.g., according to the ASTM D3418-97 standard. As used herein, the term“about” allows for imprecision in the use of a particular technique, orthe variation between or among various techniques, in determining Tg.Thus, the term provides variability in the order of ±2° C. The term“about X ° C.” thus includes X ° C.

The first acrylates copolymer has a Tg of less than about 0° C. Theminimum Tg cannot be so low such that the Tg of a mixture of the firstand second acrylates copolymers is less than about 20° C. The minimum Tgof the first acrylates copolymer is typically about −30° C. In someembodiments, the first acrylates copolymer comprises ethylacrylates/methyl methacrylates copolymer emulsion (chemical name) (INCIname:water (and) acrylates copolymer), which is commercially availablefrom Kobo Products, Inc. (South Plainfield, N.J.) and Daito Kasei KogyoCo., Ltd., under the trade name Daitosol AD. This product is sold in theform of an emulsion that contains water, ethyl acrylates/methylmethacrylates copolymer, sodium dehydroacetate, and Laureth-20 (laurylalcohol and oxirane). Daitosol AD is disclosed to have a glasstransition temperature of −14° C. See, United States Patent ApplicationPublication 20060134043 A1.

In some embodiments, the first acrylates copolymer comprises ethylmethacrylates/N-butyl acrylates/2-methylhexyl acrylates copolymeremulsion (chemical name) (INCI name:water (and) acrylates/ethylhexylacrylates copolymer), which is also commercially available from KoboProducts, Inc. and Daito Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd., under the trade nameDaitosol SJ. This product is sold in the form of an emulsion thatcontains water, ethyl methacrylates/N-butyl acrylates/2-methylhexylacrylates copolymer, and Laureth-20. Daitosol 5000 SJ is disclosed tohave a glass transition temperature of −13° C.

In some other embodiments, the first acrylates copolymer comprises analkyl (meth)acrylates copolymer emulsion (INCI name: acrylatescopolymer), which is commercially available from Nippon LSC Ltd., underthe trade name Yodosol GH34F. Yodosol GH34F is disclosed to have a glasstransition temperature of −16° C. See U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication 20060134043 A1.

Yet other acrylates copolymers having Tg's less than about 0° C. thatmay be useful in the present invention include acrylates/ammoniummethacrylates copolymer (INCI name) (CAS No. 25212-88-8), commerciallyavailable from Ganz Chemical under the tradename ULTRASOL, and which hasa Tg of about −20° C. The chemical composition ULTRASOL includes, inaddition to the copolymer, water, zinc oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, andmethylparaben.

The second acrylates copolymer has a relatively high glass transitiontemperature (Tg). The term “relatively high glass transitiontemperature,” as used in the context of the present invention, refers toan acrylates copolymer having a Tg equal to or greater than about 0° C.,such as for example a Tg greater than about 0° C. but less than about60° C.

In some embodiments, the second acrylates copolymer comprises astyrene/acrylates copolymer emulsion (INCI name), which is commerciallyavailable from Nippon LSC Ltd., under the tradename Yodosol GH41F. See,U.S. Patent Application Publication 20030074743 A1. Yodosol GH41F isdisclosed to have a glass transition temperature of about 5° C.

In other embodiments, the second acrylates copolymer comprises astyrene/acrylates copolymer emulsion (INCI name), and which iscommercially available from BASF under the tradename Joncryl 77 (whichcontains the copolymer in the form of an ammonia salt, along with waterand polypropylene glycol). This acrylates copolymer has a Tg of about35° C.

In yet other embodiments, the second acrylates copolymer comprises aPolyacrylates-21 (and) acrylates/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylatescopolymer (INCI name), commercially available from Interpolymer underthe tradename Syntran 5100. This acrylates copolymer has a Tg of about32° C. The chemical composition of Syntran 5100 includes, in addition towater and the two acrylates copolymers having CAS Nos. 68541-61-7 and67380-24-9 respectively, ethoxylated secondary alcohol (CAS No.84133-50-6) and sodium laurylpolyethoxyethanol sulfate (CAS No.68891-38-3).

In yet other embodiments, the second acrylates copolymer comprises astyrene/acrylates/ammonium methacrylates copolymer (and) butylene glycol(and) sodium Laureth-12 sulfate (INCI name), commercially available fromInterpolymer under the tradename Syntran 5760 as a 40% aqueousdispersion. This acrylates copolymer has a Tg of about 19° C.

In yet other embodiments, the second acrylates copolymer comprises apolyurethane-10 and PEG-12 dimethicone alcohol copolymer emulsion (INCIname), commercially available from Nippon LSC under the tradenameYodosol PUD (which also includes ethanol, 2-phenoyl-ethanol, and waterin the emulsion). This acrylates copolymer has a Tg of about 39° C.

The first acrylates copolymer is present in the inventive compositionsin amounts generally ranging from about 5 to about 30%, and in someembodiments from about 8 to about 25%. The second acrylates copolymer ispresent in the inventive compositions in amounts generally ranging fromabout 2 to about 20%, and in some embodiments from about 3 to about 15%.These amounts are on a non-dry weight basis. Thus, the combination ofthe first and second acrylates copolymers is present in the inventivecompositions in a total amount of about 10 to about 30% on a non-dryweight basis, based on the total weight of the mascara composition. Thefirst and second acrylates copolymers do not have to be present in equalor even nearly equal amounts in order to achieve the intended Tg.

The mascara compositions of the present invention contain a solvent. Thesolvent may be polar or non-polar, volatile or non-volatile, or aqueousor non-aqueous in nature. Representative volatile solvents includenon-polar volatile hydrocarbon-based oils (which as used herein, refersto oil containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms), silicone oils(optionally comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups that are pendant or at theend of a silicone chain), and fluoro oils. Suitable hydrocarbon-basedoils include isoparaffins, i.e., branched alkanes containing 8-16 carbonatoms, such as isododecane (also known as 2,2,4,4,6-pentamethylheptane),and petroleum distillates. Suitable silicone oils may include linear orcyclic silicones containing from 2 to 7 silicon atoms, these siliconesoptionally comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups containing from 1 to 10carbon atoms. Examples include octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane,decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, hexadecamethylcyclohexasiloxane,heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane and heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, andmixtures thereof. Mixtures of these solvents may be used. Polar volatilesolvents may also be used, examples of which include C₂ to C₅ alcohols,such as ethanol, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate and isohexyl neopentanoate.

The volatile solvent is present in the mascara of the present inventionin an amount generally ranging up to about 90%, and in some embodiments,about 5% to about 80%, and in other embodiments, from about 10% to about70%, based on the total weight of the mascara.

Exemplary non-polar non-volatile solvents include polyalphaolefins,which include ethylene derivatives oligomerized into even-numberedcarbon polyalphaolefins e.g., C₆-C₁₄ olefins such as polydecene andpolymers of C₆, C₈, C₁₂ and C14 olefins. The polyolefins may have amolecular weight (MW) generally ranging from about 280 to about 11,500,and a viscosity (CPs at about 20° C.) generally ranging from about 7 toabout 32,500. They may also be hydrogenated. In some embodiments, thenon-volatile solvent includes PureSyn™ 2 (MW about 283), 4 (MW about432), 6 (MW about 570), 8 (MW about 611), 150 (MW about 3980) and 300(MW about 4870) (INCI name: hydrogenated polydecene). The viscosity ofthese polymers is about 8, about 33, about 64, about 103, about 4179 andabout 8400, respectively.) PureSyn™ 100 (MW about 2939, viscosity about3900, INCI name:hydrogenated C6-14 olefin polymers) and PureSyn™ 1000(MW about 11,500, viscosity about 32,400, INCI name: polydecene) mayalso be useful. The PureSyn™ products are available from ExxonChemicals.

The non-volatile solvent is present in the mascara of the presentinvention in an amount generally ranging from about 0.1% to about 70%,and in some embodiments, about 0.5% to about 40%, and in otherembodiments, 1% to about 25%, based on the total weight of the mascara.

The inventive compositions may contain any other cosmetically ordermatologically acceptable and, in general, physiologically acceptableoil, such as carbon-based, hydrocarbon-based, fluoro and/or siliconeoils, of mineral, animal, plant or synthetic origin, alone or as amixture. These ingredients, along with any non-polar solvents, wouldconstitute a liquid fatty phase of the mascara composition.

The solvent may or may not include water. Mascara that is washablecontains water. On the other hand, water may or may not be present inwaterproof mascara. Generally, water content of washable mascaras rangesfrom about 20 to about 80% by weight, and in some embodiments from about30 to about 60% by weight of the mascara composition. In contrast, watercontent of waterproof mascaras generally ranges from about 0 to about60% by weight, and in some embodiments from about 0 to about 35% byweight of the mascara composition. One or more water-miscible solvents(miscibility in water of greater than 50% by weight at about 25° C.) mayalso be present. Examples include lower monoalcohols containing from 1to 5 carbon atoms such as ethanol and isopropanol, glycols containingfrom 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as propylene glycol, ethylene glycol,butylene glycol or dipropylene glycol and pentylene glycol, C₃-C₄ketones and C₂-C₄ aldehydes.

In those embodiments wherein the mascara composition contains water, thecompositions of the invention also contain an emulsifier. Emulsifierstypically employed in the compositions of the present invention includeanionic, nonionic and cationic emulsifiers. See, e.g., Encyclopedia ofChemical Technology, KIRK-OTHMER, volume 22, pp. 333-432, 3rd edition,1979, Wiley, for the definition of the properties and (emulsifying)functions of the emulsifiers, in particular pp. 347-377 of thispublication regarding anionic and nonionic emulsifiers. Examples ofemulsifiers useful in the compositions of the invention include asnonionic emulsifiers, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, polyethoxylated fattyalcohols or polyglycerolated fatty alcohols, such as polyethoxylatedstearyl alcohols or cetylstearyl alcohols, esters of fatty acid andsucrose, and glucose alkyl esters, in particular polyoxyethylenatedC₁-C₆ alkyl glucose fatty esters, and as anionic emulsifiers, C₁₆-C₃₀fatty acids neutralized by amines, ammonia or the alkali metal saltsthereof. Examples of cationic emulsifiers include quaternary amines,amine oxides and amines, e.g., alkyl amines, alkyl imidazolines,ethoxylated amines, quaternary compounds, and quaternized esters.Cationic emulsifiers may also provide a conditioning effect.

Emulsifiers are generally present in amounts ranging from about 1 toabout 30% by weight, and in some other embodiments from about 3% toabout 15% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention may further contain at leastone further (e.g., cosmetically or dermatologically acceptable)ingredient, including additives and adjuvants, including, for example,waxes, polymers, thickeners, moisturizers, anti-foam agents (e.g.,simethicone, which is a fluid composition containingpolydimethylsiloxane and silica), colorants, dispersion enhancingagents, fillers (e.g., powders and Mothers of pearl), fibers, sunscreenagents, preservatives, chelators (such as EDTA and salts thereof,particularly sodium and potassium salts), antioxidants (e.g., BHT,tocopherol), essential oils, fragrances, neutralizing or pH-adjustingagents (e.g., sodium hydroxide), and cosmetically active agents anddermatological active agents such as, for example, anti-inflammatoryagents, defoaming agents, emollients, vitamins, trace elements andessential fatty acids. These ingredients may be soluble or dispersiblein whatever phase or phases are present in the mascara (i.e., aqueousand/or fatty phase).

In view of the presence of the two acrylates copolymers, waxes areoptional. Some embodiments of the present invention are thereforewax-free. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “wax”means a lipophilic fatty compound that is solid at room temperatureabout (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg, i.e., 105 Pa), whichundergoes a reversible solid/liquid change of state and which has amelting point of greater than 30° C. and in some embodiments, greaterthan about 55° C. up to about 120° C. or even as high as about 200° C.For the purposes of the invention, the waxes are those generally used incosmetics and dermatology. A variety of waxes may be useful, includingwaxes of animal origin, waxes of plant origin, waxes of mineral originand waxes of synthetic origin. Examples of waxes of animal origininclude beeswaxes, lanolin waxes and Chinese insect waxes. Examples ofwaxes of plant origin include rice waxes, carnauba wax, candelilla wax,ouricurry wax, cork fibre waxes, sugar cane waxes, Japan waxes, sumachwax and cotton wax. Examples of waxes of mineral origin includeparaffins, microcrystalline waxes, montan waxes and ozokerites. Examplesof waxes of synthetic origin include polyolefin waxes, e.g.,polyethylene waxes, waxes obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, waxycopolymers and their esters, and silicone and fluoro waxes.Alternatively, hydrogenated oils of animal or plant origin may be used.Examples include hydrogenated jojoba waxes and hydrogenated oils whichare obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of fats composed of a C₈-C₃₂linear or nonlinear fatty chain, hydrogenated sunflower oil,hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated copra oil, hydrogenated lanolinand hydrogenated palm oils. In some embodiments, the compositionscontain at least two or at least three waxes. The wax may be present inthe compositions in an amount generally ranging from about 0.1% to about40%, and in some embodiments from about 0.5% to about 20%, or from about1% to about 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

The combination of the two acrylates copolymers also renders optionalthe inclusion of additional film formers such as polymers. Nonetheless,the mascara compositions may contain other polymers, e.g., film formingpolymers, provided that they are compatible with the other ingredientsin the inventive compositions, particularly the acrylates copolymers.The polymer may be present in the compositions in an amount generallyranging from 0 to about 20% by weight.

Viscosity may be adjusted by adding an oil phase thickener or an agentuseful for gelling a liquid fatty phase. Gelling agents may be chosenfrom gelling agents in polymeric form and gelling agents in mineralform. The gelling agent may be selected from the group consisting ofagents that gel via chemical reticulation and agents that gel viaphysical reticulation. Modified clays may be used as gelling agents,examples of which include hectorites modified with an ammonium chlorideof a C₁₀ to C₂₂ fatty acid, such as hectorite modified withdistearyldimethylammonium chloride, also known as quaternium-18bentonite, such as the products sold or made under the names Bentone 34by the company Rheox, Claytone XL, Claytone 34 and Claytone 40 sold ormade by the company Southern Clay, the modified clays known under thename quaternium-18 benzalkonium bentonites and sold or made under thenames Claytone HT, Claytone GR and Claytone PS by the company SouthernClay, the clays modified with stearyldimethylbenzoylammonium chloride,known as stearalkonium bentonites, such as the products sold or madeunder the names Claytone APA and Claytone AF by the company SouthernClay, and Baragel 24 sold or made by the company Rheox. Other mineralgelling agents include silica, such as fumed silica. The fumed silicamay have a particle size ranging from about 5 nm to 200 nm.

Water-soluble thickeners or gelling agents that may be used includepolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol, crosslinked acrylates(e.g. Carbopol 982), hydrophobically-modified acrylates (e.g. Carbopol1382); polyacrylamides such as, for example, the crosslinked copolymerssold under the names Sepigel 305 (CTFA name: polyacrylamide/C13-C14isoparaffin/Laureth 7) or Simulgel 600 (CTFA name: acrylamide/sodiumacryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer/isohexadecane/polysorbate 80) bySEPPIC; 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid polymers andcopolymers, that are optionally crosslinked and/or neutralized;cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyethylcellulose, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, ethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl cellulose; polysaccharidesand gums, e.g., natural gums such as xanthan gum, sclerotium,carrageenan and pectin; polysaccharide resins such as starch and itsderivatives, hyaluronic acid and its salts, clays, and, in particular,montmorillonites, hectorites, bentonites, and laponites, crosslinkedpolyacrylic acids, such as the “Carbopol” products from the companyGoodrich, the polyglyceryl (meth)acrylates polymers sold under the names“Hispagel” or “Lubragel” by the companies Hispano Quimica or Guardian,crosslinked acrylamide polymers and copolymers, such as those sold underthe names “PAS 5161” or “Bozepol C” by the company Hoechst, “Sepigel305” by the company SEPPIC, crosslinkedmethacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride homopolymers sold underthe name “Salcare SC95” by the company Allied Colloid, and associativepolymers and, in particular associative polyurethanes.

Compositions of the present invention may also contain a moisturizer.Examples include sodium lactate, mannitol, amino acids, hyaluronic acid,lanolin, urea, petroleum jelly and mixtures thereof. Other examplesinclude polyols such as glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, polyglycerin,polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol,1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol and sorbitol. These agents maybe present in the compositions of the present invention in amountsgenerally ranging from about 0.1% to about 20%, and in some embodiments,from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the composition.

Colorants may be chosen from the lipophilic dyes, hydrophilic dyes,traditional pigments, and nacres usually used in cosmetic ordermatological compositions, and mixtures thereof. The coloring agentmay have any shape, such as, for example, spheroidal, oval, platelet,irregular, and mixtures thereof. Pigments may optionally besurface-treated e.g., with silicones (e.g., inorganic pigments may becoated with simethicone), perfluorinated compounds, lecithin, and aminoacids.

The liposoluble dyes include, for example, Sudan Red, D&C Red 17, D&CGreen 6, soybean oil, Sudan Brown, D&C Yellow 11, D&C Violet 2, D&COrange 5, quinoline yellow and annatto. The water-soluble dyes are, forexample, beetroot juice or methylene blue.

The pigments may be chosen from white pigments, colored pigments,inorganic pigments, organic pigments, coated pigments, uncoatedpigments, pigments having a micron size and pigments not having a micronsize. Among the inorganic pigments that may be mentioned are titaniumdioxide, optionally surface-treated, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, ceriumoxide, chromium oxide, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromiumhydrate, and ferric blue. Among the organic pigments which may bementioned are carbon black, pigments of D&C type, lakes based oncochineal carmine, lakes based on barium, lakes based on strontium,lakes based on calcium, and lakes based on aluminum.

The nacreous pigments may, for example, be chosen from white nacreouspigments such as mica coated with titanium and mica coated with bismuthoxychloride, colored nacreous pigments such as titanium mica with ironoxides, titanium mica with, for example, ferric blue and/or chromiumoxide, titanium mica with an organic pigment of the type mentionedabove, as well as nacreous pigments based on bismuth oxychloride,interferential pigments, and goniochromatic pigments.

Colorants are generally present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% toabout 50% relative to the total weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention may also contain dispersionenhancing agents such as polysaccharide resins, e.g., KM 13, availablefrom KAMA International Corp. (Duluth, Ga.). Dispersion enhancing agentsare especially preferred in pigmented products.

Fillers, powders and mothers-of-pearl may also be present, typically tomodify the texture of the composition and the matteness/gloss effect.Fillers should be understood to mean lamellar or non-lamellar, inorganicor synthetic, colorless or white particles. Mothers-of-pearl should beunderstood to mean iridescent particles produced especially by certainmollusks in their shell or else synthesized. Representative examples ofthese ingredients include mica, silica, kaolin, iron oxides, titaniumdioxide, polyamide powders, polyamide powders, for instance Nylon®(Orgasol from Atochem), poly-alanine powders, polyethylene powders,tetrafluoroethylene polymer powders, for instance Teflon®, starch, boronnitride, hollow polymer microspheres such as those of polyvinylidenechloride/acrylonitrile, for instance Expancel® (Nobel Industrie),acrylic powders such as Polytrap® (Dow Corning), polymethylmethacrylates particles and silicone resin microbeads (for exampleTospearls® from Toshiba), magnesium hydrocarbonate, hydroxyapatite,hollow silica microspheres (Silica Beads® from Maprecos), and glass andceramic microcapsules. Filler(s), if present, are in amounts generallyranging from about 0.1% to about 25%, and in some embodiments from about1% to about 20% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the mascara may further contain fibers to allow animprovement in the lengthening effect. The fibers useful in the presentinvention may be chosen from natural and synthetic fibers. Naturalfibers include, but are not limited to, cotton, silk, wool, and otherkeratin fibers. Synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to,polyester, rayon, nylon and other polyamide fibers. The fibers may bepresent in the compositions in an amount generally ranging from about0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition.

Representative examples of preservatives include alkylpara-hydroxybenzoates, wherein the alkyl radical has from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5or 6 carbon atoms and preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms e.g., methylpara-hydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate(ethylparaben), propyl para-hydroxybenzoate (propylparaben), butylpara-hydroxybenzoate (butylparaben) and isobutyl para-hydroxybenzoate(isobutylparaben), and phenoxyethanol. Mixtures of preservatives arealso useful, e.g., the mixture of methylparaben, ethylparaben,propylparaben and butylparaben sold under the name Nipastat by Nipa, themixture of phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparabenand butylparaben, also sold by Nipa under the name Phenonip, and themixture of phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, isopropylparaben,isobutylparaben and butylparaben, sold by ISP under the tradenameLiquapar Optima. The preservative may be present in an amount generallyranging from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the composition.

The following examples are intended to further illustrate the presentinvention. They are not intended to limit the invention in any way.Unless otherwise indicated, all parts are by weight.

Examples Example 1

A mascara composition of the present invention is described below.

PHASE INGREDIENTS AMOUNT (Wgt %) A1 Water 44.66 Methylparaben 0.17Liquapar Optima 1.2 Disodium EDTA 0.20 Sodium 0.20 DehydroacetateButylene Glycol 3.90 Simethicone 0.10 PEG-200 Glyceryl 4.00 Stearate A2Sunpuro (iron oxide 7 pigment) A3 Simulgel 600 3.50 B1 Beeswax 7.40Carnauba Wax 3.50 Propylparaben 0.02 Ethylparaben 0.15 C Yodosol GH41F12 Yodosol GH34F 8 D Alcohol 3 E Rayon Fibers 1 100.00

The mascara composition described above was prepared as follows. Thewater was added to a main beaker, followed by initiating of heating atabout 85-90° C. using a homogenizer. Methylparaben was added, withmixing until dissolved. The remaining ingredients in Phase A1, i.e.,Liquapar Optima, disodium EDTA, sodium dehydroacetate, butylene glycol,Simethicone, and the PEG-200 glyceryl stearate, were added individuallywith mixing for 5 minutes for each added ingredient. Once all the PhaseA1 ingredients were dissolved, the Phase A2 ingredient was added, anddispersed for one hour using the homogenizer, while keeping thetemperature at about 85° C. The Phase A3 ingredient, i.e., Simulgel 600,was slowly added under conditions of high shear for 30 minutes. Inanother beaker, the Phase B1 ingredients were added together at atemperature of about 85-90° C., in order to melt the beeswax andcarnauba wax. The ingredients in the side beaker were then added to themain beaker and then emulsified for about 20 minutes. The resultantemulsified mixture was changed to a Lightning mixer using a paddleblade, followed by initiation of cooling to about 40° C., followed byaddition of the Phase C ingredients, i.e., the two acrylates copolymers.The Phase D ingredient, i.e., alcohol, was added at a temperature ofabout 25-28° C., followed by the addition of the Phase E ingredient,i.e., the rayon fibers.

Example 2

The inventive mascara composition was compared to two of the assignee'scommercial mascara compositions, which differ from the inventivecomposition mainly in that they contain only one of the two acrylatescopolymers. The comparisons were from the standpoints of lift (or curl)and length. The results showed that the inventive composition containingthe combination of the low Tg and the high Tg acrylates copolymersprovided a statistically significant (as confirmed by One Way RepeatedMeasures ANOVA with p≦0.05), maintained lift after eight (8) hours.

All publications cited in the specification, both patent publicationsand non-patent publications, are indicative of the level of skill ofthose skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All thesepublications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication were specifically and individuallyindicated as being incorporated by reference.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A mascara composition, comprising a first acrylates copolymer havinga glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 0° C., a secondacrylates copolymer having a glass transition temperature between about0° C. and about 60° C., wherein a mixture of said first and secondacrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C., and a solvent. 2.The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said first acrylatescopolymer comprises an acrylates copolymer having a Tg of about −14° C.3. The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said first acrylatescopolymer comprises an acrylates copolymer having a Tg of about −16° C.4. The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said first acrylatescopolymer comprises an acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylates copolymer.
 5. Themascara composition of claim 1, wherein said first acrylates copolymercomprises an acrylates/ammonium methacrylates copolymer.
 6. The mascaracomposition of claim 1, wherein said second acrylates copolymercomprises a styrene/acrylates copolymer having a Tg of about 35° C. 7.The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said second acrylatescopolymer comprises a styrene/acrylates/ammonium methacrylatescopolymer.
 8. The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said secondacrylates copolymer comprises anacrylates/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylates copolymer.
 9. The mascaracomposition of claim 1, wherein said second acrylates copolymercomprises a styrene/acrylates copolymer having a Tg of about 5° C. 10.The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said second acrylatescopolymer comprises a polyurethane/polyethylene glycol copolymer. 11.The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said first acrylatescopolymer comprises an acrylates copolymer having a Tg of about −16° C.,and wherein said second acrylates copolymer comprises astyrene/acrylates copolymer having a Tg of about 5° C.
 12. The mascaracomposition of claim 1, wherein said first and second acrylatescopolymers are present in a total amount of about 10% to about 30% on anon-dry weight basis, based on total weight of said mascara composition.13. The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said solvent compriseswater, and wherein said composition further comprises an emulsifier. 14.The mascara composition of claim 1, wherein said solvent comprises anon-aqueous solvent.
 15. The mascara composition of claim 14, whereinsaid non-aqueous solvent comprises isododecane or petroleum distillate.16. The mascara composition of claim 1, further comprising a colorant.17. The mascara composition of claim 1, further comprising fibers. 18.The mascara composition of claim 1, further comprising a wax.
 19. Apackage, comprising a container having disposed therein the mascara ofclaim 1, and optionally an applicator for applying the mascaracomposition to eye lashes.
 20. A method of preparing a mascaracomposition, comprising mixing together a first acrylates copolymerhaving a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 0° C., asecond acrylates copolymer having a glass transition temperature betweenabout 0° C. and about 60° C., wherein a mixture of said first and secondacrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C., and a solvent. 21.A method of making up or enhancing the appearance of eye lashes,comprising applying to eye lashes a mascara composition comprising afirst acrylates copolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg)less than about 0° C., a second acrylates copolymer having a glasstransition temperature between about 0° C. and about 60° C., wherein amixture of said first and second acrylates copolymers has a Tg less thanabout 20° C., and a solvent.